Long live the Virgin! With this cry, the community of the San Ezequiel Moreno-Recoletos Novitiate (SEMONORE) received the pilgrim image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Journey, better known as the Virgin of Antipolo, last August 3.
In addition, during the following days, various activities were carried out in honor of the Virgin, with the aim of evangelizing and promoting Marian devotion in the city.
The event was led by the Prior of the community, Fr. Dionisio Q. Selmatogether with the community attorney, Fr. Joseph Cyprian J. Panaliganthe novice master, Fr. Rommel Rubiaand the prenovice master, Fr. Arian Josef Ocheda.
Arrival at SEMONORE
At 9:00 a.m., the image of the Virgin of Antipolo arrived at SEMONORE, accompanied by the rector of the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, Fr. Reynante Tolentino.
La banda del gobierno de Antipolo acudió al acto y entonó canciones marianas mientras la imagen era recibida por monaguillos, miembros de la Fraternidad Seglar Agustina Recoleta (SARF), religiosas, parroquianos y devotos que se acercaron.
From St. Ezekiel Street, a procession took place to SEMONORE, where the Virgin was welcomed by members of the Recollect Augustinian Youth – Antipolo Chapter (RAYAC) with dances and chants of Viva la Virgen!
In addition, flower petals were thrown on the facade of the seminary and Fr. Dionisio led the prayers before placing the image on the throne.
“Thanks be to God for the guidance of the Virgin Mary.”
An hour later, a Votive Mass was celebrated in honor of the Virgin Mary, presided over by Fr. Reynante TolentinoThe Augustinian Recollects friars participated in the celebration.
During the homily, Fr.
Tolentino highlighted the event as a blessing, and recalled the historical relationship between the Recollects and Our Lady of Antipolo, from 1863 to 1898: Our Lady is back with the Recollects, just as she was in the past! He further stressed that devotion to Our Lady should lead us to Jesus, our Good Shepherd and Savior.
The novice director, thanked all those present for their attendance and emphasized that this reunion with Our Lady is the community’s way of giving thanks to God for the guidance of the Virgin Mary, especially as they prepare for the Feast of St. Ezekiel Moreno.
The community also offered a sung Rosary in the chapel, where representatives of the Prenovices, Novices, RAYAC, SARF and lay people led the prayer.
The participation of the Angono Wind Ensemble made it even more special as they sang songs of praise between each mystery of the Rosary.
The link between the Recollects and Our Lady of Antipolo
The historian of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno, Fr. Emil QuilatanHe gave a conference on the role of the Recollects in the history of Our Lady of Antipolo.
He explained how the Recollects arrived in Antipolo in the year 1863 and highlighted the special relationship that the Order maintains with Our Lady, pointing out that the bond between the Recollects and Our Lady of Antipolo is not only part of history, but continues to this day.
Finally, the community bid farewell to the Virgin of Antipolo with a prayer of thanksgiving after the Sunday Mass in the Chapel of St. Ezekiel Moreno.
